| The Mersey Observatory International Open Design Competition Stage One Brief |
| Introduction The site Scheme Components Client Expectations Competition Conditions |
Introduction Invitation Mersey Basin Campaign invites submissions for an international open design competition for the design of an innovative, architecturally striking and unique signature structure at the Crosby Radar Tower site, located at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary near Liverpool. The design will inspire and encourage people to visit the site and understand the dynamics of man and nature on the coastal edge. It will have a positive impact on the natural environment of Crosby Coastal Park and will include a café, education and interpretation space, staff accommodation, toilets, lobby and entrance spaces. The competition process is being managed by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Competitions Office on behalf of the client body. Photo. Colin McPherson Purpose of the Design Competition This document forms the brief for an international design competition to select an architect (or architect-led team) to design The MerseyObservatory. The successful architect (or architect-led team) will need to demonstrate an empathy and understanding of the client’s expectations, as set out in this Brief. The winner will need to work collaboratively with the client, understand their vision and ambition for producing an inspiring structure of exceptionally high quality: one that will be a new landmark; in tune with the qualities of the site and an exemplar of sustainability both in construction and use. The successful architect/team will need to demonstrate their ability to deliver such a landmark structure, in an exposed coastal setting in the UK. It is the intention that the winner of the competition will be appointed to work in close collaboration with the client to work up a detailed design and take the project through to completion. The Vision This project provides a unique opportunity to create an international signature structure for the Liverpool City Region and a facility which showcases the importance of the River Mersey and its environs. The site is bounded by and has unrestricted view of numerous features of national and international significance, specifically: • Major international port • SPA, Ramsar and SSSI designations • World famous River Mersey • Internationally acclaimed Antony Gormley’s Another Place • The World Heritage Site of Liverpool in the middle distance • Snowdonia National Park in the far distance The proposed Observatory is intended to be developed as a beacon for the Mersey Estuary, a unique structure marking the point of transitions: from river to sea; from the industrial to the natural coast; and from land to water. The vision of the Mersey Basin Campaign and the Mersey Observatory Steering Group is: To transform the existing Radar Tower and its surroundings into a visitor attraction and landmark feature, providing a financially viable destination that would complement the existing and proposed visitor offer of the Crosby Marine Park area in an environmentally sustainable manner which will have a positive impact on the natural environment in this area. The vision provides and exciting and challenging future for the current Radar Tower within the context of tourism on Merseyside, the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park and Crosby Marine Park. The philosophy is to recognise the potential of the site and its location for a landmark structure to act as a focal point from which the panoramic views of the Mersey estuary, Liverpool Bay and the City’s skyline can be enjoyed, and as a structure that will be viewed purely for its own aesthetic worth. It also provides an opportunity to positively manage visitor numbers and their ability to observe the natural environment in this part of the Mersey Waterfront without disturbance to – in particular – the sensitive bird populations on the Crosby foreshore. Aims and Objectives It is envisaged that the Mersey Observatory will be a landmark feature that will comprise – amongst other elements - viewing platform(s) offering outstanding 360° views over the Liverpool Bay, the Mersey Waterfront and beyond to the foothills Snowdonia. It will be visible from Liverpool’s Pier Head and the Wirral peninsula. It will provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the dynamic natural coastal environment in a managed and controlled manner. It will exploit communications technologies to inform and educate visitors about shipping, wildlife, aircraft, meteorology, wildlife and the tides. It will also provide a unique opportunity for visitors to observe human and natural activities side by side. Collectively this will provide an innovative and interesting insight into the social, environmental and economic role of the Mersey. It will seek to develop potential renewable energy opportunities. It will provide an opportunity to extend the famous Mersey Ferries route to the Sefton coast. It will offer wider health, recreation and educational benefits to be enjoyed by local people and visitors alike, and provide economic benefit and employment opportunities. Background Funding for a feasibility study was secured from Mersey Waterfront in December 2006 and competed in March 2007 by a consultant team led by AMION Consulting. The team included TaylorYoung (architects), Turner and Townsend (cost consultants), Faber Maunsell (engineering and transport), and Locum (tourism). The feasibility study demonstrated that the concept of a landmark new building at this key gateway site was feasible as a tourist attraction and could be sustained as such. The study considered a range of options and with direction from the Steering Group identified a preferred, feasible option. The preferred option has been presented to the Mersey Basin Campaign’s Council for in principle approval to proceed. The Campaign has presented the project to a number of local forums and groups and received great interest and widespread support. The preferred option is to demolish the existing radar tower and create a new purpose built observatory in its place. The concept proposal comprises access to the site from Crosby Marina, the construction of ground level space to accommodate a café, retail and interpretation activities. The tower itself would offer two viewing platforms: a lower enclosed platform; and an upper exposed platform. The Campaign was invited to present the preferred concept option to the RENEW Places Matter Design review Panel. The group thought the Mersey Observatory was an exciting project that warranted an international design competition to progress the design of the concept. The Client and Partners The client for this competition is Mersey Basin Campaign, a long term Government backed initiative to facilitate the environmental regeneration of the entire Mersey river system and watersides from source to sea through community-business partnerships. The site is located within the boundary of Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, who is also the Planning Authority for this project. The land is owned by Peel Holdings, operated by Peel Ports. The project is being managed by a Steering Group which currently comprises the following agencies and organisations: • Mersey Basin Campaign (Chair) – see above. • Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council – see above. • Peel Holdings and Peel Ports – see above. • North West Regional Development Agency – the regional economic development agency for North West England. • Mersey Waterfront Regional Park – a pan waterfront programme of investment to transform energise and connect the entire 135km of Mersey Waterfront and all its assets. • Liverpool Biennial – engaging art, people and places across the Liverpool City Region. • Waterloo Residents Association – a grass-roots community initiative run for and by people living in L22 postcode area. It is non-political, pan-religious and open to all. It aims to speak for Waterloo to relevant public and private sector organisations and to assist Waterloo residents on environmental improvements, crime, fear of crime, security, anti-social behaviour, litter, planning, traffic, parking and all matters of relevant public interest.
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